Young Marines look for community help

Thursday

Aug 21, 2014 at 4:36 PM

By Kevin Kearneykkearney@wayneindpeendent.com

HONESDALE - The borough-based NEPA Young Marines will be holding a fundraiser Sunday at the YMCA as they look to raise between $15,000 and $20,000 to travel to a Pearl Harbor memorial ceremony in December.

"It would be a historical, once-in-a-lifetime experience for them," said Jacilyn Fritsch, a senior training officer and a former Young Marine.

The Hawaii trip from Dec. 4 to 8 coincides with the Dec. 7, 1941 anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor that spurred the country into World War II.

More than 2,000 American citizens were killed and more than 1,000 were injured.

The Americans also lost a large proportion of their battle ships and nearly 200 aircraft that were stationed in the Pacific region.

The Young Marines have received donations from several local businesses, and the youth organization has been holding several fundraisers.

A fundraiser is set for Sunday, Aug. 24, from noon to 5 at the YMCA in Honesdale.

The event will include craft vendors, a tricky tray and a bouncy house.

"We're hoping to get a really good turnout," Fritsch said.

The group has so far raised between $1,000 and $2,000.

The Young Marines is a national program that instills a drug-free lifestyle into youth ages eight through the completion of high school.

The nonprofit Young Marines teaches leadership, teamwork and discipline and prides itself on being active in the community and in taking part in honoring veterans as much as possible.

Five to six kids are expected to go on the trip and be chaperone by about four to five adults.

Attending the historical event will provide a lifelong memories to the youngsters, Fritsch said.

Fritsch noted that the Young Marines have worked in volunteer service to help the community and she hopes the community will reciprocate.

Fritsch said the youth organization plays an important role for several reasons.